Sarfraz proud as Fakhar and Hasan join him in team of tournament
PAKISTAN captain Sarfraz Ahmed said being named skipper of the International Cricket Council’s team of the Champions Trophy was the “perfect icing on the cake” of his side’s stunning title triumph.
Sarfraz’s side thrashed title-holders India by 180 runs in a remarkable final at The Oval on Sunday having been the lowest ranked of the eight nations at the outset of this oneday international tournament – which they started with a 124-run defeat by India.
It was Pakistan’s first international 50-over trophy since winning the 1992 World Cup.
Wicket-keeper/batsman Sarfraz was one of four Pakistan players in the team of the tournament, along with opening batsman Fakhar Zaman, who made a brilliant hundred in the final, and pace bowlers Hasan Ali and Junaid Khan.
“To be appointed as captain of the team of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which includes some of the finest and most attractive cricketers of this generation, is the perfect icing on the cake,” said Sarfraz in a statement.
“But I am more happy and delighted for players like Fakhar Zaman and Hasan Ali, who impressed their peers through their talent and performances, and found their way in the side.
“These two lads, plus (leg-spinner) Shadab Khan, are the future of Pakistan cricket and I sincerely hope they will only go in the upward direction from here.”
India had three players in batsmen Virat Kohli (caricature) and Shikhar Dhawan, together with seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, in the ICC team.
Losing semifinalists England also provided three players in batsman Joe Root, all-rounder Ben Stokes and leg-spinner Adil Rashid. ICC team of the Champions Trophy Shikhar Dhawan (Ind), Fakhar Zaman (Pak), Tamim Iqbal (Ban), Virat Kohli (Ind), Joe Root (Eng), Ben Stokes (Eng), Sarfraz Ahmed (Pak, capt/wkt), Adil Rashid (Eng), Junaid Khan (Pak), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Ind), Hasan Ali (Pak) 12th man: Kane Williamson (NZ) ICC ODI Rankings (rank, team, points) 1. South Africa 119, 2. Australia 117, 3. India 116, 4. England 113, 5. New Zealand 111, 6. Pakistan 95, 7. Bangladesh 94, 8. Sri Lanka 93, 9. West Indies 77, 10. Afghanistan 54, 11. Zimbabwe 46, 12. Ireland 41. – AFP